Real Madrid sweatshirt There was also heavy criticism of the delayed move in the US and,

Former England midfielder Lampard is playing out the season with Manchester City before joining their sister club New York City, the Major League Soccer newcomers, in the summer.

Manchester United Jacket It is a move the 36-year-old was expected to have already made by now after it was announced he would be joining the American outfit in January 2015 when he left Chelsea last year.

But a short-term deal to train and play with City at the start of the current season proved unexpectedly successful and was extended, amid much confusion, in December.

Real Madrid sweatshirt There was also heavy criticism of the delayed move in the US and, given Lampard's lack of starts and City's indifferent form since, further questions have been asked over its wisdom.

But Lampard said: "I am very excited. I am very fortunate about this part of my career, coming to City. It was something I never saw coming.

"At 36 I got asked to come to the champions and a club with this pedigree. I am delighted that happened as it has done, and I am delighted about the future and the opportunity to go and play in New York - to try and make the best of it individually, to help there and also be part of a new football club in one of the best cities in the world. I am fortunate."

Real Madrid Anthem jacket NYCFC is a new venture by City's owner Sheikh Mansour and is now fully up and running with their first three MLS games having been played this month.

Lampard has familiarised himself with the operation and his new team-mates having spent time with them during their pre-season training camp in Manchester. With matches now being televised in the UK he has seen even more and he "possibly" might even visit to the Big Apple during the current international break, such is his enthusiasm for the fledgling club.

Manchester United Hoodies He said: "I've watched their games and thought they looked fantastic, the home game particularly. I thought the atmosphere in the ground, the crowd - I've had feedback from inside the club about what a buzz there is for it in the city. I was delighted for the lads.

"There were question marks over it before - this is a completely new thing for so many of us. Who knows? What I do know is the people behind the scenes have done an amazing job. I hope it goes from strength to strength."